Sugar Imports by China May Advance 42%, Survey Shows

Raw-sugar imports by China, the third-largest producer, may surge by as much as 42 percent in 2010 after domestic output dropped for a second straight year and demand increased, according to a survey.

Purchases may reach 1.5 million metric tons compared with 1.06 million in 2009, three of five China-based analysts and traders said last week. Imports may be at least 1 million tons, with amounts above that level determined by demand, the other two said. A total of 1.5 million tons would be the highest since at least 2005, according to customs data compiled by Bloomberg.